A gunman who blasted a garda sergeant with a shotgun in a cocaine-crazed incident arising from a feud between members of two west Dublin families has been given a 12-year sentence.

British and Irish holidaymakers forced to abandon their cruise liner when it struck ice are expected to be flown to mainland South America today.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that there were four Irish people among 100 passengers forced to take to lifeboats today after their cruise liner hit ice and began taking on water in the Antarctic Ocean.

Two 16-year-old boys arrested in connection with the shooting of a Garda sergeant last week are to face trial in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a judge ruled today.

A man in his twenties is due to appear before court in Dublin this morning in connection with the shooting of a garda sergeant three days ago.

A 16-year-old boy, arrested in connection with the shooting of a Garda sergeant on Wednesday morning, was brought before the Dublin Children’s Court today, charged with possession of a shotgun and ammunition.

A GARDA and two innocent civilians were lucky to escape with their lives yesterday after they were caught up in a feud between two families.

A Japanese financial services group said today it had snapped up UK hotel operator Menzies for £120m (€169.4m).